Pansies and violas are popular flowers that thrive in cooler weather and come in a rainbow of colors, offering a long blooming season. But what’s the difference between a pansy vs viola?
Many gardeners struggle to tell these two flowers apart. Here’s a quick guide to help you know the differences (and similarities) between pansies and violas.
Taxonomy and Appearance
Pansies and violas come from the same plant family, but they aren’t exactly the same plant.
Pansies – Viola x wittrockiana
Pansies are hybrid plants that were created by breeding traditional violas with other varieties. Pansies typically have larger flowers, up to two inches across.
Violas – Viola tricolor
Violas are smaller, with flowers about the size of a nickel. Violas also tend to produce more blossoms than pansies.
Which is which?
The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at the petals. Pansies have four petals pointing upward and one pointing downward. Violas have two petals pointing upward and three pointing downward.
Growing Conditions and Care
Both pansies and violas are super-easy to grow, and they’re not too fussy about their soil or climate. Here’s what to keep in mind as you plant and nurture your new flowers.
Environmental Tolerance
Violas are generally tougher than pansies, and they can handle more heat and cold. But both flowers thrive in cooler weather, so they’re perfect for spring and fall gardens.
Soil and Planting
Pansies and violas both like soil that’s been enriched with compost or other organic material. When you’re shopping for plants, pick ones that look healthy and have a few buds that haven’t opened yet, along with at least one open flower so you can see the color. Avoid plants that look dried out or droopy.
Maintenance
To keep your pansies and violas blooming all season long, be sure to deadhead them regularly. That just means snipping off the flowers after they’re done blooming. If your plants start to look overgrown, give them a trim to help them perk up.
How to use them
Both pansies and violas can be used to add seasonal color to your garden, whether you plant them in borders, containers, or garden beds.
Pansies tend to have more vibrant colors and a wider variety of patterns than violas.
Did you know that both pansies and violas are edible? They can be used in baking and other culinary applications to add a little color and flair to your favorite dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pansies or violas better for winter?
Generally, violas are considered more cold-hardy than pansies. While both can tolerate some frost, violas often bounce back better after harsh winter conditions. If you’re in an area with particularly severe winters, violas might be the safer bet for continuous blooms.
What is the difference between violas and pansies?
The main differences lie in flower size and petal arrangement. Violas have smaller, more delicate flowers, usually around 1-2 inches in diameter, with petals that are often slightly separated. Pansies have larger, bolder flowers, typically 2-3 inches across, with overlapping petals that create a “face-like” appearance.
How to tell Viola from pansy?
Check the flower size and petal arrangement. Smaller flowers (1-2 inches) with separate petals are likely violas. Larger flowers (2-3 inches) with overlapping petals are likely pansies. Also, look at the number of petals with markings or “whiskers.” Pansies usually have markings on all the lower petals, while violas typically have markings on just one or two.
Which last longer pansies or violas?
Violas often have a longer blooming period than pansies, especially in milder climates. They tend to be more resilient and can continue flowering even after a light frost. Pansies may produce larger, showier blooms, but they might fade more quickly, particularly during hot spells.
Wrapping Up
Pansies and violas are closely related, but pansies have larger flowers and fewer blooms. Violas have smaller flowers, but more of them. Both come in a rainbow of colors and thrive in cool weather, making them excellent choices for fall and spring gardens.
The best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and your growing conditions.